Miami Dolphins first in line to interview Jeff Fisher

Dolphins plan to talk with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher this week

DAVIE — Jeff Fisher plans to return to coaching in 2012, and it appears his services are in great demand.

The Miami Dolphins intend to be the first team to formally discuss their opening with the former Tennessee Titans head coach.

Sources say Fisher will meet with Dolphins owner Steve Ross and General Manager Jeff Ireland before Thursday to discuss the parameters of the Dolphins' opening.

"Steve Ross and I have a plan in place that is designated to ensure that we identify and interview an outstanding set of candidates for the head coaching position," Ireland said in a statement.

The Dolphins have a few other candidates in mind. The Chicago Tribune is reporting Bears special teams coach Dave Toub has received permission to speak to the Dolphins about the coaching vacancy, and interim coach Todd Bowles interviewed on Monday.

There's a half-dozen other candidates who will be considered, but the Dolphins would prefer an experienced head coach like Fisher, who is very respected in NFL circles. If both sides like one another, it's possible Fisher could leave South Florida with a lucrative offer, and maybe accept the position if offered.

However, it's possible the Dolphins will simply be the first of Fisher's many stops, which includes a trip to St. Louis, and maybe Tampa Bay.

Fisher's considered the top candidate for a couple of the five head coach openings around the league and ESPN is reporting he has an interview lined up with the Rams later this week.

Kevin Demoff, the Rams' chief operating officer, is the son of Marvin Demoff, Fisher's agent.

Fisher sat out the 2011 season after being fired by the Titans in January because his relationship with owner Bud Adams soured.

Fisher had served as coach of that franchise for 16 seasons, including before the Titans moved from Houston to Tennessee.

A source says Fisher's ability to work with the owner is paramount and that there has been some level of dialogue between Fisher and Ross. However, the Dolphins couldn't formally begin the search until the regular season had concluded, allowing the discussions to take place through proper channels.

Interviewing Bowles, who produced a 2-1 record as Tony Sparano's replacement, satisfied the NFL's Rooney Rule, which forces each team to interview a minority candidate for their top-level opening.

Fisher has played and coached in the NFL since 1981, working his way up the ranks enough to produce a 142-120 record, which includes one Super Bowl appearance. But his teams were 5-6 in the playoffs and he's only produced six winning seasons.

The source said Fisher isn't necessarily seeking final say on personnel matters, but that power might sway his decision if there are multiple offers.

Ireland, who was hired by former czar Bill Parcells, presently has final say in football decisions. But for the right coach Ross would be willing to grant final say on all football decisions.

"The process will be thorough, it will be in compliance with NFL policies and will provide the best possible result for the franchise," Ireland said. "That search has begun and there is no designated timetable; it will be conducted in a manner that gives us the greatest opportunity to hire the individual we feel is best suited to become the team's head coach. … We are confident that it will result in the selection of an outstanding individual who will return the Dolphins to their long-time status as one of the most-successful teams in the league."